La Caisse steps up its efforts in support of entrepreneurship

MONTRÉAL, Aug. 27, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Following the launch of Espace CDPQ, an ecosystem for entrepreneurs created to mark its 50th anniversary, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) announces that it is setting up a new team dedicated exclusively to its entrepreneurial initiatives.

Backing entrepreneurs who are building tomorrow's economy is more than ever at the heart of la Caisse's priorities in Québec. Over the past two years, la Caisse has spearheaded a number of initiatives, including Innover. Agir., aimed at promoting the emergence of a new generation of entrepreneurs, among other goals.

So that all of these different projects can be brought to fruition, la Caisse is creating a dedicated team that will be led by Michèle Boisvert. As Executive Vice-President, Business Outreach, Ms. Boisvert will oversee with her team the implementation of Espace CDPQ at Place Ville Marie, expected to open in 2016. She will implement the priorities identified by the entrepreneurs who lead Innover. Agir. And she will enhance la Caisse's presence in all of Québec's regions, in support of its investment teams.

As Ms. Boisvert takes on this new role, Ani Castonguay will take over Communications as Senior Vice-President, Public Affairs. At la Caisse since 2009, first as Director and later as Vice-President, Office of the President and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Castonguay previously worked for BCE and Bombardier in public affairs.

Ms. Boisvert and Ms. Castonguay will both report to the President and Chief Executive Officer of la Caisse.

ABOUT CAISSE DE DÉPÔT ET PLACEMENT DU QUÉBECCaisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) is a long-term institutional investor that manages funds primarily for public and parapublic pension and insurance plans. As at June 30, 2015, it held $240.8 billion in net assets. As one of Canada's leading institutional fund managers, la Caisse, which marks its 50th anniversary this year, invests globally in major financial markets, private equity, infrastructure and real estate. For more information about la Caisse: www.cdpq.com.